The Osteopaths Act 1993 established a body to be known as The General Osteopathic Council to "provide for the regulation of the profession of osteopathy, including making provision as to the registration of osteopaths and as to their professional education and conduct; to make provision in connection with the development and promotion of the profession; and for connected purposes."

The General Osteopathic Council is the Statutory Body for the regulation of the profession of osteopathy. It is a criminal offence for anyone to describe himself or herself as an osteopath unless listed on the Statutory Register.